Press Room

The Introduction of “VolunTeaming”

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BOSTON COMMON BRINGS TRADITIONAL TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITIES TO A MORE MEANINGFUL LEVEL WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF “VOLUNTEAMING”

BOSTON, MA. – January 1, 2009 – For most groups the term “teambuilding” conjures up images of a spirited tug of war and relay races, with one side claiming victory for their side. Now The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common offers groups a new opportunity at teambuilding where it’s a win-win for everyone including the local community. Called “VolunTeaming”, this unique concept is now being offered to group guests staying at many of the hotel. “VolunTeaming” is the newest offering under The Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints umbrella of social responsibility programs.

Sue Stephenson, vice president of the Community Footprints program, describes “VolunTeaming” as “combining team building with volunteer activities that create lasting memories for the participants. We recognize that many organizations want their teambuilding activities to not only build a spirit of cooperation, but also enable group guests to be a force for good and feel personally connected to the place they visit.”

Groups may select from as little as two-hour activities to a full day of working together, depending upon their schedules and interests. Each of the “VolunTeaming” activities offered by the hotel has a strong connection to the local community. Join Park Rangers in Boston Harbor Islands National Park on stewardship projects to protect the islands’ fragile eco-system. For groups with limited time but still wanting the “VolunTeaming” experience, two-hour on-property program options are also available. In “Bike Build for Charity”, group participants will compete in fast-paced activities practicing great communication and teamwork as they build children’s bikes for presentation to a local children’s charity.

For more information on “VolunTeaming” programs and activities, visit www.volunteaming.com or contact the hotel’s director of meetings and special events at 617- 574-7117.

“VolunTeaming” is the third program to emerge from the Community Footprints initiative of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Through “Meaningful Meetings”, The Ritz-Carlton will donate 10 percent of a group’s room expenditure, evenly divided between a charity of the groups choosing and the Community Footprints charitable fund. “Give Back Getaways” offer hotel guests a half-day activity in the local community working to preserve natural habitats.